News You Can Use

November 2, 2007

Local Black Bear Info Now Online

World-class trophy bears roam Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC).  During the 2005 and 2006 three-day bear seasons, hunters killed a 733-pound and a 693-pound male bear, respectively.  An 834-pound male was taken in 2004. 

Pennsylvania's 15,000 strong black bear population is drawing hunters both from in- and out-of-state.  From November 19-21, 2007, the three days preceding Thanksgiving, the PGC expects some 100,000 hunters will be stalking or standing in wait for a bear.   

Hunters planning on taking their prize during the principal bear season, archery season, or an extended season in specific Wildlife Management Units now have a new weapon in their arsenal – Field Officer Game Forecasts posted online.  Click on one of six regions to retrieve reports on small and big game opportunities.  Postings include reports on food supply and habitat considerations.  Click through the links to locate licensing agents, game land maps, Deer Management Assistance Program specifics, and more. 

Find information on bear check stations, legal ammunition, and hunting tips click here.

Growing Greener New or Innovative Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology Program Accepting Grant Applications 

Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, and school districts choosing to improve existing drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities through the use of new or innovative technology may be eligible for grant funding.   

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is accepting applications until November 30, 2007 for project costs incurred between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2009.  Preference will be given to projects meeting program goals for efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability of existing facilities.   

Apply for a grant of up to $500,000 for physical improvements to existing water or wastewater treatment facilities.  DEP indicates $1 million is available for this round of funding that closes on December 15, 2007.  For details and a link to the online application click here.

History and Museum Project Grant Applications Being Accepted  

Grant applications for historic preservation, organization development, collections management, and local and public history, among others, are being accepted by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PH&MC) until Monday, December 3, 2007.   

Nonprofit organizations and local governments will compete for Project Grants from $5,001 to $15,000.  More than 70 nonprofits and local governments in Pennsylvania were awarded more than $675,000 during 2007.   

Applications must be submitted online through eGrant.  For use in preparing the application, you can access a printable Project Grant Application form and instructions.  For assistance in preparing the grant application call 717-787-4363.  

State Mortgage Assistance 

Homeowners struggling due to predatory lending practices or unaffordable adjustable rate mortgages have two resources to help them keep their homes, according to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).   

The REfinance to an Affordable Loan (REAL) program offers refinancing to homeowners whose adjustable-rate or other exotic mortgage has become unaffordable.  One hundred percent financing with flexible credit underwriting, REAL provides relief for homeowners with good credit who otherwise would not qualify for a typical refinance program.   

The Homeowner Equity Recovery Opportunity (HERO) program offers loans for homeowners who can not afford their current mortgage and are ineligible for other programs because of credit or other issues.  HERO loans are made directly by PHFA which may negotiate with the current mortgage holder to reduce the amount owed on the applicant's property.   

More than 70 lending institutions will handle REAL program loans for PHFA, the managing organization for both REAL and HERO.  Start-up funding for HERO is provided by PNC Bank, the City of Philadelphia, and PHFA.  The Philadelphia funding amounting to $1 million will support HERO loans made within the city limits. 

Homeowners seeking relief should consult with PHFA.  

Make the Most of Your Charitable Donations 

Requests to support one charitable cause after another seem to come our way this time of year.  Some are undeniably legitimate; their campaigns are recognized across the country and around the world.  Some may seem familiar but something about the request concerns you.  Others may not be so recognizable.  Yet the groups stated cause or mission is compelling.   

You are just one toll-free call away from determining if that solicitation for your charitable dollars is originating with a legitimate, registered charity.  The Bureau of Charitable Organizations in the Pennsylvania Department of State can also tell you how much income the organizations receive from donations and how much they spend on program services compared to administration and fundraising.   

Before writing that check, call 1-800-732-0999 to help you make informed charitable giving decisions.  Already have a legitimate complaint about a charitable organization that has solicited donations from you, call that 800 number to allow the Bureau to address your concerns.   

The Bureau offers Tips on Charitable Giving and information on Your Rights as a Consumer.

For additional questions or information concerning charitable organizations, solicitors, or fundraising counsels, you may also call 717-783-1720 or direct a written inquiry to:  Bureau of Charitable Organizations, 207 North Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120.  Or email your concerns to:  ST-CHARMAIL@state.pa.us  

Those registered with the Do Not Call List should note exceptions include calls from tax-exempt charitable or fraternal organizations, veteran's organizations, and political groups or candidates.  Concerns regarding unsolicited calls for those on the Do Not Call List may be addressed by calling 1-800-441-2555 or by filing a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Access Online Interstate Travel Advisories 

How many interstates traverse the hills, mountains and valleys of Pennsylvania?  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), 12 interstates connect those residing in the Keystone State with other areas both in- and outside our borders.   

Whether your upcoming holiday travel takes you to the mall or Grandma's house, an interstate may be on your itinerary.  Motorists may obtain details on conditions and incidents occurring on interstates to avoid delays and plan alternative routes, if necessary.   

For travel north, south, east, or west on Interstates 176, 279, 376, 76, 78, 80, 81, 83, 84, 90, 95, or 99 consult Interstate Travel Advisories issued by PennDOT.